Lifelong Ohio State Buckeye Kirk Herbstreit is walking a bit of a tightrope now that his son is playing football for the Michigan Wolverines. On Saturday, he had to negotiate the first test of his loyalty.
Herbstreit was in attendance at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. for the Wolverines’ spring game, which his son Chase participated in. The ESPN analyst was spotted in the stands, and he was clearly trying to stay on the fence with his outfit.
While Herbstreit fit in by wearing a navy blue hoodie and baseball cap, he clearly made sure none of it bore Michigan’s logo. The baseball cap was entirely logoless, in fact.
Love that Kirk Herbstreit just wore plain navy blue clothes to watch his son Chase in the Michigan Spring Game.
— College Sports Only (@CSOonX) April 19, 2026
Blend in with the fans but the Ohio State alum wasn't about to get caught in TTUN gear. 😂 pic.twitter.com/sAj0bbah9I
Chase Herbstreit certainly defied his family’s history by choosing to play for Michigan, as both his father and grandfather played for the Buckeyes. Kirk Herbstreit has been fully supportive of his son’s choice, and later explained that Ohio State had never seriously pursued Chase. In contrast, the Wolverines were much more aggressive and offered him a scholarship.
Chase Herbstreit is entering his sophomore season for Michigan. He spent last season playing quarterback for the scout team, and will likely remain a depth option in 2026 behind Bryce Underwood.
